Looking for advice on how to ship a computer long distances

[Quadsword]

In about a month from now, I'm going to be moving from Hawaii back to the mainland US. I initially thought about just selling my computer before I leave, but that'd require me to go through the whole process of buying parts, assembling them, installing drivers, operating system, and setting everything up the way I want it all over again. I'd rather avoid that if I can, but I doubt something this big and heavy would survive the trip. I had a friend who shipped a gaming PC from the mainland to Hawaii and it was busted when it arrived.

I've heard of people stripping the internals, selling the case, packing everything in anti-static bags, and assembling everything in a new case after they get to where they're going but a) I don't have any anti-static bags and I don't think the electronics store would just give some to me if I asked nicely and b) I've heard mixed success with this. Some people still had their stuff arrive broken even when they packed it as tight as they could.

[_I_]

take out the gpu, and if it has a tower cooler, take that off too

anti static bags are cheap, every new gpu and mobo includes one
put them in static bags if you have, but its ok if you dont
components now is less static sensitive than older hardware

as for packing the case, double box, and layer of foam or bubble warp around it
you can put the gpu in a duffel or carry on bag, along with cpu cooler

if it has hard drive, its fine in the case as long as its mounted with all 4 screws
same with optical drive, or ssd, (m.2 is fine on the board, along with ram and cpu and smaller pci-e cards), just make sure to ziptie extra psu cables in place so they do not get banged around inside the case

[DonMcK]

This might help, it's jayztwocents showing how to do it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6LeOqkgV6s

[Rumpelcrutchskin]

With the way they handle mail it will probably be in pieces no matter how you pack it.

[_I_]

if you ship it usps/fedex/ups, be sure to get $2000 insurance
if you receive the package damaged fill out their claim form

btw, usps paypal shipping is always cheaper than going to usps or post office to ship packages
https://www.paypal.com/shiplabel/create/
if its small, put it in your mailbox, or drop it off at usps or ups store

[Tiberius]

Originally posted by _I_:

take out the gpu, and if it has a tower cooler, take that off too

anti static bags are cheap, every new gpu and mobo includes one
put them in static bags if you have, but its ok if you dont
components now is less static sensitive than older hardware

as for packing the case, double box, and layer of foam or bubble warp around it
you can put the gpu in a duffel or carry on bag, along with cpu cooler

if it has hard drive, its fine in the case as long as its mounted with all 4 screws
same with optical drive, or ssd, (m.2 is fine on the board, along with ram and cpu and smaller pci-e cards), just make sure to ziptie extra psu cables in place so they do not get banged around inside the case

+1 to this

Also dont forget to buy shipping insurance

[Phénomènes Mystiques]

Originally posted by Tiberius:

Originally posted by _I_:

take out the gpu, and if it has a tower cooler, take that off too

anti static bags are cheap, every new gpu and mobo includes one
put them in static bags if you have, but its ok if you dont
components now is less static sensitive than older hardware

as for packing the case, double box, and layer of foam or bubble warp around it
you can put the gpu in a duffel or carry on bag, along with cpu cooler

if it has hard drive, its fine in the case as long as its mounted with all 4 screws
same with optical drive, or ssd, (m.2 is fine on the board, along with ram and cpu and smaller pci-e cards), just make sure to ziptie extra psu cables in place so they do not get banged around inside the case

+1 to this

Also dont forget to buy shipping insurance

And tracking.

Use bubble wrap, foam, and reinforced boxes.

The carrier also matters so disregard UPS because they lose packages a lot I heard.

[emoticorpse]

The whole process of building a pc in this case sounds easier than the alternative of mailing it and hoping it works out.

[Phénomènes Mystiques]

IDK but OP better act quick to build a new PC before those China tariffs go into action raising costs in the USA 25% or more for standard imported goods (USA governments own fault for outsourcing manufacturing to countries that do not care about toxic pollution).

I was thinking, why doesn't OP just take the components on-board in their carry-all luggage (minus the case and PSU)?

I would guard my GPU with my life - all I am saying - I would pick the least crowded flight tho or simply take a cruise to the mainland and not return on the excursion departure.

[Vince ✟]

There are also packets of shipping foam that you squeeze to mix chemicals inside, and it swells to fill a voided space. You can use them inside the case.

[Phénomènes Mystiques]

Originally posted by MD:

There are also packets of shipping foam that you squeeze to mix chemicals inside, and it swells to fill a voided space. You can use them inside the case.

Wow, technology and progress ceases to amaze me.

[smokerob79]

do none of this.....just take out your current windows drive and sell the PC....when you get here buy new parts and just use your old install drive....windows will boot wigout on you and then after a hour of updates will run just fine.....this works now even switching platforms like going intel to AMD.....

unless you bring it back on the plane with you its going to be broken.....and even then it could still happen....

[Guydodge]

personally if it has a good cpu/gpu pull those out and bring along with you.as they are the most expensive parts and sell the rest.i dont think it would be a problem with airlines not sure.then just buy the rest here.